The Saint Mary’s Gaels (8-6) welcome the San Jose State Spartans (3-8) to McKeon Pavilion. The Spartans can end a five-game road losing streak. The game begins at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 29, 2018.
San Jose State Spartans vs. Saint Mary’s Gaels ATS Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Gaels had no trouble getting past the McNeese State Cowboys 87-65, while the Spartans beat the Life Pacific Warriors 89-72.
San Jose State played a nearly perfect game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 51.4 and a free throw rate of 0.317. For those same stats, Life Pacific was 3.4 and 0.265, respectively. Meanwhile, Saint Mary’s played a nearly perfect game. They had a turnover percentage of 7.1 and a free throw rate of 0.167. McNeese State put up marks of 16.8 and 0.119, respectively, for those same stats. Saint Mary’s’ Malik Fitts led the way, putting up 19 points and 12 rebounds. Meanwhile, Michael Steadman was a key piece for San Jose State with 15 points and 13 rebounds.
The Gaels won the sole contest between these two teams last year, 79-61. The Gaels’ turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Spartans. Saint Mary’s had a rate of 7.4, while San Jose State posted a mark of 13.0. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Jordan Ford has taken his game to another level recently for Saint Mary’s, averaging 0 points over the last five games.
The productive offense of Saint Mary’s will battle against the porous defense of San Jose State. The Gaels currently rank 11th in offensive efficiency, while the Spartans are 279th in defensive efficiency. The Gaels should have the edge on that side of the ball. Also, the Spartans are among the nation’s best on the offensive backboards, ranking 52nd in offensive rebounding percentage (34.0 percent). The Gaels, however, rank 49th at grabbing defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 75.5 percent.
San Jose State at Saint Mary’s Odds Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Saint Mary’s, ATS Winner – Saint Mary’s, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Saint Mary’s ranks 13th in three pointers allowed per game (17.9) while San Jose State ranks 222nd (26.6).
- The Gaels rank 10th in rebounds allowed per game (29.6) while the Spartans rank 68th (33.1).
- San Jose State ranks 34th in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while Saint Mary’s ranks 75th (3.3).
- The Gaels rank 15th in steals allowed per game (4.8) while the Spartans rank 156th (8.0).
- Saint Mary’s ranks 31st in assists allowed per game (10.6) while San Jose State ranks 154th (14.2).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Gaels have scored an average of 74.4 points per game (3.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 65.4 points per game (2.0 below their season average).
- The Spartans’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 0.2, down from 4.0 for the season.
